New marine electronics products

For owners wanting to install a CX34 with the full range of functions, the unit can be upgraded by the dealer and supplied in whatever configuration is needed.

CX34 utilises new SunView display technology. This reduces glare and extends the viewing angle, which in combination with stronger backlighting increases the quality of the image in strong sunlight and at night.

Simrad says this new technology makes CX34 even more suitable for the often harsh marine environment.

The CX34 is also capable of connecting with SimNet, which gives any instrument the ability to share vital information with other equipment.

For more information on Simrad products, phone Quin Marine on (08) 8447 1277 or visit www.simrad.com. The regular retail price for the CX34 is $4363 and $5336 for the CX34-E (with echo sounder).

MAXSEA/FURUNO
Marine electronics companies Furuno and Maxsea have formed a technical alliance to provide boaters with a navigation system which, according to the companies, is the most advanced yet easy to use software available today.

By combining the depthsounder, chartplotter, and radar information of Furuno's NavNet system with the features of Maxsea's PC-based navigation software, the two companies have produced what they hope will be the ultimate marine electronics platform.

The companies say while the Maxsea-NavNet software integration is suited to all forms of boating, it's the fishing industries, both recreational and commercial, that will benefit most from this alliance.

The Personal Bathymetric Generator (PGB) feature produces real-time three-dimensional bathymetric charts by using the input from your NavNet depthsounder. Because depth data is constantly being updated as you travel, the more time at sea means more information on your PC, resulting in an accurate 3D representation of the sea floor.

A 3D image of the sea floor is an incredibly powerful fishing tool. All forms of fishing revolves around structures, even pelagic species are drawn to changes in the sea floor.

Some of the other features of Maxsea include an unlimited access to weather forecasts and oceanic data such as sea surface temperatures, wide coverage of both raster and vector electronic charts, full radar overlay capability and compatibility with Furuno's MU120C and MU155C high-resolution, waterproof display screens. All this is available in a unique plug and play package that allows the simple connection of Maxsea's navigation system to the NavNet network via Ethernet cable.

For more information on Maxsea's or Furuno's NavNet range of marine electronics, phone (08) 9431 9500 or visit www.taylormarine.com.au. The regular retail price for the software only is $1900.

The company says the S1000 is perfect for anglers with hydraulically-steered powerboats up to 25ft in length.

Raymarine says its autopilots are renowned for their reliable performance in every kind of sea condition. Key features of the SmartPilot S1000 include NMEA or SeaTalk input for GPS guidance, dedicated fishing patterns, and the ability to troll at lower speeds.

With minimal wiring and no complicated compass or rudder reference, everything needed for installing the autopilot, including all the hydraulic interconnections, comes in one box. According to the manufacturer, fewer components and less wiring means the autopilot can be installed in about five hours.

“With Raymarine's S1000, the captain can set a course or trolling pattern and then attend to other details such as working lines and preparing baits while keeping an eye on the course he has set,” Raymarine president Terry Carlson said.

From the remote control, anglers can select to steer in a straight line or to a waypoint. Alternatively, they can choose from four programmed fishing or trolling patterns - spiral, circle, zigzag or cloverleaf. The boat operator can select any of these functions from anywhere on the boat. If the remote control moves beyond the range of the boat or is lost overboard, the S1000 automatically drops into standby mode.

The S1000 has many of the features found on higher-end autopilots. The tool has Raymarine's latest SmartSteer programming, which provides an intelligent rate of turn relative to boat speed, meaning that the captain can confidently spend time away from the helm without worrying about sudden course changes. The control also has a bold display that shows up to two lines of text and graphics, along with a standby button with a raised profile that allow the user to locate it easily in the dark. The remote accepts standard AAA or rechargeable batteries and has a signal strength indicator.

For more information on Raymarine products, phone Raytalk Australia on 1800 029 948, or visit www.oceantalk.com. The regular retail price for the S1000 is $1879.

RAYMARINE E-SERIES
One of the most popular units being fitted to recreational boats is the E-Series High Performance Multifunction Navigation Display, according to manufacturer Raymarine.

The company says this is the most powerful multifunction display in its product line. The E-Series combines high-speed networking and video integration with the company's chartplotter, radar, and digital fishfinder technologies. Two models with different display sizes are available, the E80 and E120, and each is equipped with a bright TFT LCD display that is viewable in sunlight.

“The Raymarine E-Series displays represent the convergence of Raymarine's best technologies,” said Raymarine president Terry Carlson.

Like Raymarine's award winning C-Series, the E-Series displays can be configured in any combination or used individually as a chartplotter, digital fishfinder, or radar just by adding the appropriate Raymarine sensors.

Additional E-Series displays can be networked using Raymarine's new 'SeaTalk hs' high-speed network protocol. Designed for easy networking at up to 100-megabit transfer speeds, SeaTalk hs enables instant transfer of chartplotter, digital fishfinder and radar functions between networked E-Series displays.

Raymarine E-Series features also include: Video integration that provides connection to on-board cameras, DVD players or satellite television; engine monitoring for a virtual engine instrument display; a chartplotter function that provides detailed vector chart plotting with support for Navionics Gold Charts on CompactFlash cards; radar that delivers efficient target echo reception.

For more information on Raymarine products, visit www.oceantalk.com. The regular retail price for the E80 is $5185 and the E120 is $7495.

Icom says the IC-M302 is a must for boat owners needing quality, reliability and clear sound from weak signals. Now available in white, black and grey, the IC-M302 can transmit at 25W or 1W.

The company says the unit, with a waterproofing rating equivalent to JIS Grade 7, can handle all types of weather. According to the manufacturer, the speaker's high sound pressure level delivers loud and clear reception with next to no background noise. The LCD display shows channel names and numbers of up to 10 characters.

Four levels of LCD backlighting are also available. Other features include dual-watch and tri-watch functions, GPS connection via NMEA and external speaker connection if required.

For more information on Icom products, phone (03) 9549 7500 or visit www.icom.net.au. The regular retail price on the IC-M302 is $396.

LOWRANCE iFINDER GO
The Lowrance iFINDER GO is the company's entry level handheld GPS. It won the 'Best Boating Accessory and Electronics Award' at the 2005 Australian Fishing Tackle Association's trade show.

It has a recommended retail price of $199.

The iFINDER GO features a 16-level grayscale display with 200x140 pixel resolution, high contrast Film SuperTwist, and amber LED backlighting.

It weighs 152 grams, is powered by two AA batteries, and is compact enough to fit in your pocket.

The unit is fully waterproof and features a 16-parallel channel GPS+WAAS receiver, 32 megabytes of inbuilt memory and can store 1000 waypoints, 1000 event markers, and 100 routes. It also features 42 icons to mark special spots.

For more information on Lowrance products phone 1300 784 244, or visit www.lowrance.com.au.

The sounder function on the 110c is available with a choice of dual-frequency at 50/200kHz or single-frequency at 200kHz, which, according to the manufacturer will result in readable depths of more than 900m when combined with the company's top-of-the-range 1kW transducer.

Temperature, speed, and distance readings are standard on the dual-frequency model and an adjustable ping speed automatically engages Hyperscroll for locating fish at higher boat speeds.

Standard sonar features include Advanced Signal Processing, COLORLINE, Advanced Fish Symbol ID, FishTrack, multi-zoom options, sonar alarms, and backup memory.

The chartplotter incorporates a 12-parallel channel GPS+WAAS receiver and can store 1000 waypoints, 1000 event markers, 100 routes, and 100 waypoints per route.

The unit is compatible with Navionics electronic charts and features two waterproof MMC/SD memory card slots for mapping, recording and upgrading.

For more information on Lowrance products, phone 1300 784 244 or visit www.lowrance.com.au. The regular retail price is $4282 for the single frequency 110c, and $4378 for the dual frequency unit.

Magellan says that as well as having the largest screen available in a rugged handheld GPS, the eXplorist XL is water resistant, sunlight viewable and easy to use, making it suitable for outdoor pursuits on land or at sea.

The unit has a built-in base map of Australia's major roads, highways, railways, coastlines, towns, cities and waterways.

It features 30 megabytes of available internal memory for detailed street mapping and unlimited storage of detailed maps, waypoints, routes and track logs through SD memory expansion.

An advanced PC-style file management system and high-speed USB data port allows users to easily download and access Next Destination's Magellan-certified DiscoverAus Streets and Tracks software, or install DiscoverAus Topo mapping software on pre-loaded SD cards.

The Magellan eXplorist XL is easy to use. Its backlit keypad and joystick provides one-touch access to key features and built-in help files. The Magellan Geocaching Manager software loads Geocaching data directly from the internet to the eXplorist XL, eliminating the need to print website information or manually enter GPS coordinates into the receiver.

The eXplorist XL also has optional extras, including a carry case, batteries, power adaptors, and mounting options for cars, bikes, and boats. For further information on Magellan products, phone Next Destination on 1800 644 033, or visit www.nextdestination.com.au. The regular retail price of the eXplorist XL is $975.

The GX600 features a die-cast and powder-coated chassis and sealed waterproof case to ensure maximum protection from the harsh marine environment. The company says the unit's slim design allows for easy installation and its size and styling compliments GME's GR100 AM/FM radio, providing a symmetrical fitout to any vessel's instrument panel.

The GX600 offers a range of advanced features, including programmable channel scanning, dual and triple watch functions, high (25W) and low (1W) transmit power, two programmable channel memories, adjustable digital squelch, and a backlit LCD display with adjustable brightness levels.

For more information on GME products, phone (02) 9879 8888 or visit www.gme.net.au. The regular retail price for the GX600 is $325.

NAVMAN TRACKER 5380
The Navman Tracker 5380 chartplotter is a unit that's small in size but big on features.

Featuring a colour TFT LCD display that's viewable in sunlight and has 320x240 pixel resolution, the Tracker 5380 is compact enough to be mounted on any dash.

The company says it is a surprisingly powerful tool, however, particularly if your boat is powered by an engine with Mercury Marine's Smartcraft technology.

The Tracker 5380 can provide vital engine information including revs per minute and fuel consumption at the push of a button.

In chartplotter mode, the 5380 can store 3000 waypoints and 25 routes with up to 50 waypoints per route. The unit accepts the latest NT-Max and NT+ electronic charts from C-Map, which includes port, tide and services data. The Tracker 5380 is waterproof and features a two-year warranty. For more information on Navman products, phone (02) 9879 9000, or visit www.navman.com. Its regular retail price is $899.

NAVMAN G-PILOT 3380
The Navman G-PILOT 3380 is the world's first full-colour autopilot featuring a 3.8-inch daylight viewable transflective QVGA screen.

The company says controlling the autopilot is effortless, thanks to a rotary control dial, and optical sensing technology for maximum performance and reliability. A rate gyro precisely senses the boat's motion, allowing accurate control of the vessel, even at high-speed.

Some of the major features of the 3380 autopilot include a bi-colour illuminated bezel; a compass, GPS and wind steering modes; NavBus and Smartcraft compatibility; dedicated dodge function keys; a night-mode display option; two NMEA inputs and one NMEA output.

The G-PILOT 3380 is waterproof and can be dash or flush mounted. For more information on Navman products, phone (02) 9879 9000 or visit www.navman.com. The regular retail price for the G-PILOT 3380 is $2694.

Disclaimer: Prices and specifications supplied were correct at time of publication, March 2006. BoatPoint Australia makes no warranty as to the accuracy of specifications or prices. Please check with the distributor for current pricing and specifications.